Before every game at Emirates Stadium, Martin Odegaard lifts the lid on the mood in the camp via his captain’s notes published in the matchday programme.
Ahead of tonight's north London derby against Tottenham, the skipper reflects on our FA Cup exit last time out, Tottenham's season so far and the need to stay united with so much still at stake over the next few months:
We were all hurting after Sunday's defeat, but as soon as we came into training on Monday morning we were determined to get going again straight away.
Having a massive game like the derby tonight is a great way to get everyone completely focused again and looking forward. We know how much this game means to all of you – our supporters – but also to the players and everyone at the club. That’s the good thing about having a big game so soon after a disappointment.
It was really tough to take on Sunday – it was very frustrating for everyone. On the pitch I had the feeling that we dominated the game from the first half until the end. We could have been sharper in front of goal and also in the last pass and the final shot. But to lose that game at home when we dominated everything, it’s a tough one to take.
And of course I have to take responsibility for the penalty. I should have scored – that’s not good enough from me. It was a crucial moment of the game as well because I think if I scored that, we probably go on to win the game. I felt like I’d let the team down, so it was important for me to step up again in the shoot-out, and I wanted to go first like usual. It was good that one went in, but in the end it wasn’t enough, so I still feel that responsibility to the team.
We have to keep on going though, and know we will get rewarded if we keep dominating games like that. In a single game of course it can happen that you don’t win, but in the long run it will pay off. We need to be sharper in the key moments to make sure we get the results we’ve worked for. We have to keep going and keep improving. There is no choice for us now. We have to be at our best back in the Premier League tonight.
Tottenham have been a bit inconsistent this season with their results, but we know their top level is very high. They can beat anybody, and we have seen them do that already this season. They are a good team who like to play good football, but it's down to us to use our strengths to get the result we want.
We have a lot to play for this season. We lost the chance at one trophy at the weekend but there are more challenges ahead for us, so we have to stick together, keep working hard, keep helping each other and keep supporting each other.
We’re just looking at the next game – that’s what matters now – and we’d love to feel that energy and noise from you all inside the stadium again tonight. Let’s make it a great Emirates Stadium night.
Read the rest of Martin's notes, as well as a host of other fantastic content, by buying the Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur programme either around the stadium or online.
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